About Our Orchestra Program
The Bay Village Schools have a long history of excellence in music education. The school district has boasted an orchestra program since 1972 when it was founded by Mr. Frank Pendergrass and Mrs. Nada Crews. Today we proudly continue what they started. The Bay High School Orchestra has received praise and accolades from clinicians and adjudicators alike. The class primarily focuses on string pedagogy and expression through the study and performance of string orchestra literature. The group invites woodwind, brass and percussion players from the Bay High band program into its ranks several times a year to perform works for full orchestra, such as the score for Pirates of the Caribbean, Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's blockbuster "Sarajevo 12/24". The orchestra also collaborates with the choral department to present large masterworks such as selections from Handel's "The Messiah". Bay High School also has three extra-curricular honors ensembles: the Chamber Orchestra, Honors Quintet, and Pit Orchestra.
The Formative Years We offer a beginning string class for third and fourth graders who are interested in exploring string instruments. Formal class enrollment then occurs at Bay Middle School. The middle school has four fine string groups: Fifth Grade Strings, Sixth Grade Strings, Seventh Grade Orchestra and Eighth Grade Orchestra. 
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Concert Schedule 
“Without the Bay High String program, it would be impossible for me to be where I am today as a person and as a musician. The connections and resources it has provided to me has allowed me to pursue music on a high level, while still having fun and making great friends. ” - Claire Reid, BHS graduate
“Orchestra gives me an outlet; if I’m having a rough day, I can count on someone from our “family” to give me a hug, or find a piece to play that will cheer me up : )” - Anna Walker, BHS graduate “Orchestra is amazing! You get to make gorgeous music with the most wonderful people ever!” - Christina Randazzo, BHS graduate “The orchestra program has given our daughters an incredible opportunity to learn so much about music beyond how to play an instrument. Their love for music has grown beyond pop, and includes classical, jazz, blues, and everything in between. They started shy and afraid to play in front of others, and are now in High School performing solos, in ensembles, for college auditions and are eager to share their love of music with others. It’s an amazing thing to watch your children pick up an instrument in 4th grade, afraid and unsure of themselves, and watch their growth over the years in their confidence and love of music. They certainly wouldn’t be where they are today without such an incredible music program behind them . ” -Janis Reinke, parent |
